Public Statements

Lugar Marks Conclusion of Oral Arguments on Obamacare

Press Release

U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar (R-IN) expressed optimism today about the persuasiveness of three days of oral arguments at the Supreme Court in demonstrating the unconstitutionality of Obamacare.

"Although one can read too much into oral arguments, it is clear that Justices asked very pointed questions underscoring deep skepticism," Lugar said. "Obamacare must be uprooted, either judicially or legislatively. As the Justices deliberate, I will continue to work in the U.S. Senate to repeal this irreparably flawed and hugely expensive legislation."

Lugar commended Indiana State Attorney General Greg Zoeller and other Attorneys General in pursuing the case. "In January 2010, I asked Attorney General Zoeller to initiate a review of the Obama-backed health care reform package then making its way through Congress," Lugar said. "His thorough and insightful analysis raised serious constitutional questions about the bill. On the strength of this review, he included Indiana among the handful of states to immediately file a challenge in Federal court against the bill."

Senator Lugar has been a vocal opponent of Obamacare since early in the debate on the measure in 2009. He has consistently voted to repeal the law since its signing by President Obama two years ago.

Lugar joined a series of amicus briefs submitted to the Supreme Court asserting that Obamacare is unconstitutional. He has advocated that Obamacare's government controlled framework be replaced by market-driven reforms that increase coverage options and help reduce costs for American families and businesses.